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Millar and Dixson prove unbeatable in the FEI Grand Prix at Angelstone

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Ian Millar with Dixson. Photo by Angelstone. The stage was set this past Saturday at the Angelstone Equestrian Park for a classic showdown between two of the biggest names in equestrian show jumping, Conor Swail and ten–time Olympian, Ian Millar.

The pair of riders had started off their week at Angelstone with a one-two placing in Thursday's $33,000 FEI Open Welcome and Saturday brought them back into the ring for the $50,000 FEI Grand Prix, presented by System Stall Rentals.

Millar, coming off Thursday's win with Susan and Ariel Grange's horse 'Dixson', was eager to get back into the ring in front the fans who came out to see 'Captain Canada' face-off against many of the biggest names in the sport.

Internationally renowned course designer, Anthony D'Ambrosio set a course worthy of FEI competition that proved to be a true test of horse and rider, resulting in only a single clear round prior to Millar entering the ring as the final competitor of the night.

'Dixson' jumped bravely and brought the crowd to its feet with a clutch performance to force a jump off against Irish rider, Conor Swail and 'Landsdowne', also owned by the Granges. The horses thrilled the crowd, but Millar's clear jump-off round and blazing time of 41.10 could not be caught by Swail.

Millar was presented his share of the $50,000 Grand Prix, by Angelstone President, Keean White. Millar addressed the crowd from centre-ring and added some remarks about a very difficult course, as well as competing at the newest International Equestrian Park in Eastern North America: "The course by Anthony D'Ambrosio was a difficult test today and was a worthy challenge, the team at Angelstone have done a superb job here at this marvellous facility to grow the sport in Canada and I would like to congratulate them on a great start to their 2013 Season."

Millar will now head to Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta with faith that 'Dixson' is competing at the peak of the sport, and ready to go after additional wins in the weeks ahead.